Discovery is the main theme at this year’s Science and Technology Village when the Eisteddfod comes to Conwy county early next month.

The national event promoting Welsh culture and heritage is held on the outskirts of Llanrwst from 3-10 August. 

Organisers say there is plenty to discover in a brand new village, which is far more dynamic and attractive than the old pavilion of the past.

The Showdome lies at the heart of the village and vistors are invited to come over and relax and enjoy a variety of science shows on the stage. 

Science and theatre combine in the Experimentrics shows, an innovative show mixing physical theatre with a live science exhibition to create a world of fun and quiet mystery.

The whole family can discover more about the sky at night in a special Planetarium, with daily sessions.

There will be the opportunity to see the universe in a brand new way, listen to traditional Welsh folk stories in a magical atmosphere, and find the characters in the dark sky. 

There's also the chance to see the fantastic contribution made by Welsh scientists to our understanding of space.

There will be the opportunity to ‘hello’ to some of the residents from the Welsh Mountain Zoo during the Eisteddfod week as the zoo’s education team will be on the Maes during the week, with a number of creatures and small animals.  

And if engineering excites you, join the North Wales Engineering and Science Group during the week with a whole host of activities, including building a suspension bridge, an activity which has been very popular over the past few years.

Although there is the new look Science and Technology Village this year, many favourite attractions remain including the impressive lecture programme throughout the week, introducing different elements of the science world.

This year’s programme is excellent, and all the lectures are held in Societies 2 at 14:30 daily, with a simultaneous translation:

Monday: Red meat: Greener than you think? – Prysor Williams

Tuesday: What’s the most important scientific development of the last century? – Dr Awen Iorwerth, Dr Daniel Roberts, Carwyn Edwards & Professor Siwan Davies, with Professor Deri Tomos

Wednesday: At the edge of space – Professor Eleri Pryse

Thursday: A long journey to the centre of the cell: from a tadpole’s tail to the heart of cancer – Arwyn Tomos Jones

Friday: Historical Climate – John Davies

Wynford Bellin will look at the death of Morfydd Llwyn Owen, deciding who or what was responsible for her death, in Societies 2 at 17:30 on Wednesday afternoon.  And Goronwy Wynne will be discussing John Lloyd Williams, the well-known botanist from Llanrwst at 11:30 on Saturday 10 August in Societies 2.

The children’s daily competitions, Wil i’w Wely and Wil Bach have been given a bit of a face-lift and return as the Her Awr Fawr and Her Hanner Awr Fawr, with cash prizes.

Budding builders will be inspired by the LEGO activities and children will also have a go at programming a racing game using SCRATCH with the DVLA.

For full details of all the science and technology activities at the Eisteddfod, go online www.eisteddfod.wales, and the festival app will be available soon.